US20060170656A1 - Mobile station with satellite antenna - Google Patents
Mobile station with satellite antenna Download PDFInfo
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- US20060170656A1 US20060170656A1 US11/336,287 US33628706A US2006170656A1 US 20060170656 A1 US20060170656 A1 US 20060170656A1 US 33628706 A US33628706 A US 33628706A US 2006170656 A1 US2006170656 A1 US 2006170656A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- antenna
- mobile station
- key
- keypad
- substrate
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
- B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
- B43K24/00—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units
- B43K24/02—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units for locking a single writing unit in only fully projected or retracted positions
- B43K24/04—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units for locking a single writing unit in only fully projected or retracted positions operated by means sliding in longitudinally-slotted casings
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
- H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
- H01Q1/24—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set
- H01Q1/241—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM
- H01Q1/242—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM specially adapted for hand-held use
- H01Q1/243—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles with receiving set used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM specially adapted for hand-held use with built-in antennas
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
- B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
- B43K23/00—Holders or connectors for writing implements; Means for protecting the writing-points
- B43K23/08—Protecting means, e.g. caps
- B43K23/12—Protecting means, e.g. caps for pens
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
- B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
- B43K24/00—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units
- B43K24/02—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units for locking a single writing unit in only fully projected or retracted positions
- B43K24/023—Mechanisms for selecting, projecting, retracting or locking writing units for locking a single writing unit in only fully projected or retracted positions with a deformable barrel
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/40—Radiating elements coated with or embedded in protective material
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a mobile station and, more particularly, to a mobile station having a satellite antenna.
- a mobile station may include a satellite antenna to provide digital multimedia services via digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB).
- DMB digital multimedia broadcasting
- FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a disassembled perspective view of a mobile station 100 having a satellite antenna, according to a related art.
- the mobile station with a satellite antenna includes a body 10 having a connector 17 embedded in one side thereof, and a satellite antenna 30 removably coupled to the connector 17 .
- the body 10 includes a first body portion 11 having a printing circuit substrate mounted therein, and a second body portion 21 slidably coupled to the first body portion 11 .
- the first body portion 11 has a plurality of keys on a front surface thereof to enable users to input data.
- the first body portion 11 also has a battery 15 removably coupled to a rear surface thereof to supply power.
- An antenna 13 is coupled to one side of an upper surface of the first body portion 11 . Functions of the antenna 13 differ according to communication system type, e.g. cellular system or PCS system.
- the connector 17 is formed at the other side of the upper surface to allow the satellite antenna 30 to be removably coupled thereto.
- the second body portion 21 has a display 23 on the front surface thereof for outputting visual information. Keys 25 for inputting data are arranged at one side of the display 23 .
- the satellite antenna 30 includes an (outer) housing 32 , a helical antenna installed in the housing 32 , and an antenna cable 33 that protrudes downward to the housing 32 .
- the satellite antenna 30 is separated from the first body portion 11 when not in use, as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the satellite antenna 30 is used after inserting the antenna cable 33 into the connector 17 for coupling therewith.
- the conventional mobile station with satellite antenna has several problems. As discussed above, using the satellite antenna requires that it be coupled to the connector by inserting the antenna cable thereinto. Furthermore, because the satellite antenna has greater size and is more protruded than the cellular/PCS antenna, the satellite antenna is normally separated from the mobile station when not in use, which may lead to the misplacement of the satellite antenna.
- the present invention is directed to a mobile station having a satellite antenna that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile station having an embedded satellite antenna to increase portability and convenience to the user.
- a mobile station comprises a substrate having circuitry adapted to perform communication functions.
- the mobile station also comprises a keypad adapted to receive input from a user to control the mobile station, wherein at least one key of the keypad is operably coupled to the substrate.
- the mobile station also comprises an antenna at least partially housed in the at least one key to receive wireless communications.
- the mobile station may further comprise a display adapted to output visual information to the user.
- the antenna may be further adapted to transmit wireless communications.
- the wireless communications may comprise satellite communications.
- the satellite communications may comprise digital multimedia communications.
- the keypad may comprise input keys adapted to receive input of numbers and characters, and a multi-key having a plurality of radially arranged buttons.
- the keypad may also comprise function keys arranged around the multi-key, and a padbase adapted to fix the input keys, the multi-key, and the function keys on the surface of the keypad.
- the antenna may be positioned in a lower portion of the multi-key.
- a shape of the antenna may correspond to a shape of the multi-key.
- the antenna may have a circular, annular shape, and a connection terminal may be formed at one side of the antenna to connect to the substrate.
- the outside of the antenna may be coated with a synthetic resin.
- the mobile station may further comprise a switch, adapted to transfer data received through user input to the circuitry of the substrate, wherein the connection terminal is positioned on the substrate to connect to a position away from the switch.
- the connection terminal may be constructed of a material having elastic strength.
- the multi-key may include an antenna accommodation unit, and wherein a height of the antenna accommodation unit is greater than a thickness of the antenna.
- One of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit may have a fixing protrusion that protrudes toward the other of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit, and the other of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit may have a protrusion accommodation unit adapted to accommodate the fixing protrusion.
- the mobile station may be one of a folder type, a slide type, a flip type, or a separated display type mobile station.
- the antenna may be concealed from view by the keypad.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a disassembled perspective view of a mobile station having a satellite antenna, according to a related art.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a mobile station, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a diagram illustration a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a plane view of the satellite antenna shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sectional view of a portion of a multi-key, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sectional view taken along ling VI-VI of FIG. 5 .
- mobile station encompasses mobile phones, handsets, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and computers, as well as any other devices with wireless communication capabilities.
- a mobile station having an embedded satellite antenna is described below.
- the present invention refers to a folder type mobile station, other types of mobile stations may be used, such as slide type, flip type, or separated display type mobile stations, for example.
- a satellite antenna is described herein, the techniques and constructions described may also be applied to other types of antennas, such as cellular and/or PCS antennas, for example.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a mobile station 200 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the mobile station 200 includes a first body portion 110 that has a display 111 for outputting visual information.
- the mobile station also includes a second body portion 120 rotatively coupled to the first body portion 110 , a substrate installed in the second body portion 120 , and a keypad 130 provided on the substrate.
- a satellite antenna 150 is interposed between the substrate and the keypad 130 of the mobile station 200 .
- the first body portion 110 includes a speaker 113 at one side thereof to enable an output of audio information.
- the first body portion 110 also includes the display 111 .
- the second body portion 120 forms an outer perimeter of the mobile station, and accommodates the substrate by having an accommodation space therein.
- the second body portion 120 also includes a case 121 having through holes in appropriate positions for exposing the keypad 130 to the exterior.
- An antenna 123 is formed at an upper side of the second body portion 120 to be extended in a lengthwise direction such that a radio wave may be transmitted and/or received according to a communication system, such as a PCS system or a cellular system.
- a microphone 125 for inputting audio information is provided at one side of the front surface of the second body portion 120 .
- a battery 126 for supplying power to the mobile station 200 is removably coupled to a rear surface of the second body portion 120 .
- the keypad 130 includes a plurality of input keys 131 usable for inputting numbers and characters, a multi-key 132 having a plurality of radially arranged buttons 133 , and several function keys 135 arranged around the multi-key 132 .
- a padbase 137 (See FIGS. 3 and 5 , below) integrally forms the input keys 131 , the multi-key 132 , and the function keys 135 on the surface of the keypad 130 .
- Metal plating or other finishing, for example, may be applied to the outer surfaces of the input keys 131 , the multi-key 132 , and the function keys 135 for aesthetic purposes.
- the plurality of input keys 131 may be relatively small is size to enable input of numbers and/or characters by their depression.
- the discoid or rhombic multi-key 132 may be a navigation key.
- a through hole is formed in the center of the multi-key and a center key 134 is mounted therein, such that the center key 134 may be depressed independently from the multi-key 132 .
- the multi-key 132 have a square shape or an elliptical shape, for example.
- the satellite antenna 150 may be embedded in a lower portion of the multi-key 132 , for example, as described further below with reference to FIGS. 2-4 .
- FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a plane view of the satellite antenna shown in FIG. 3 .
- the embedded satellite antenna 150 is a loop-type antenna, having a circular and/or annular shape, and is positioned within the multi-key 132 .
- the satellite antenna 150 is formed to correspond to the shape of the multi-key 132 . That is, when the multi-key 132 has a square shape, the satellite antenna preferably has a corresponding square same shape. Alternatively, when the multi-key 132 has an elliptical shape, the satellite antenna 150 preferably has a corresponding elliptical shape.
- the input keys 131 , the multi-key 132 and the function keys 135 formed on the keypad 130 are integrally formed on the surface of the padbase 137 .
- the padbase 137 is positioned on the substrate 140 on which circuit components required for communications are mounted.
- the padbase 137 may have a size corresponding to the length and width of the substrate 140 .
- the padbase 137 is preferably formed of flexible materials such as rubber or plastic, for example.
- a protrusion 139 is formed at a lower side of the padbase 137 to correspond to each button position on the keypad 130 .
- a switch 145 is formed at a position that corresponds to the protrusion 139 on the substrate 140 , to transfer pressing of each button to the circuit components mounted in the substrate 140 .
- the satellite antenna 150 is formed in a doughnut shape, for example, and a connection terminal 155 is formed at one side of the satellite antenna 150 to be connected to an antenna connection unit 159 formed on the substrate 140 .
- the connection terminal 155 is preferably connected to the substrate 140 at a position away from where the switch 145 is formed.
- the connection terminal 155 receives elastic force when a user presses the multi-key 132 , the connection terminal 155 of the satellite antenna 150 and the antenna connection unit 159 positioned on the substrate 140 are preferably prevented from being disconnected from the substrate 140 , by a mechanical member for example.
- the outside of the satellite antenna 150 is preferably coated using a synthetic resin, for example, for protection from impact.
- reference symbols 122 a and 122 b refer to a front case and a rear case, respectively.
- the mobile station may be conveniently used and carried with the satellite antenna. Furthermore, since the satellite antenna does not need to be removed when not in use, the satellite antenna is not subject to being misplaced.
- FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sectional view of a portion of a multi-key, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sectional view taken along ling VI-VI of FIG. 5 .
- the multi-key 132 forms an antenna accommodation unit 173 for accommodating a satellite antenna 160 , which is aligned to allow upper and lower sides thereof to have certain intervals.
- a height of the antenna accommodation unit 173 is preferably greater than a thickness of the satellite antenna 160 to make upper and lower intervals between the satellite antenna 160 and the antenna accommodation unit 173 .
- one of the satellite antenna 160 and the antenna accommodation unit 173 has a fixing protrusion 162 formed therein to protrude toward the other of the satellite antenna 160 and the antenna accommodation unit 173 , which also preferably has a protrusion accommodation unit 161 formed therein for accommodating the fixing protrusion 162 .
- the satellite antenna may maintain a position without interference from the multi-key, even if the multi-key is depressed, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the satellite antenna.
- a mobile station comprises a substrate having circuitry adapted to perform communication functions.
- the mobile station also comprises a keypad adapted to receive input from a user to control the mobile station, wherein at least one key of the keypad is operably coupled to the substrate.
- the mobile station also comprises an antenna at least partially housed in the at least one key to receive wireless communications.
- the mobile station may further comprise a display adapted to output visual information to the user.
- the antenna may be further adapted to transmit wireless communications.
- the wireless communications may comprise satellite communications.
- the satellite communications may comprise digital multimedia communications.
- the keypad may comprise input keys adapted to receive input of numbers and characters, and a multi-key having a plurality of radially arranged buttons.
- the keypad may also comprise function keys arranged around the multi-key, and a padbase adapted to fix the input keys, the multi-key, and the function keys on the surface of the keypad.
- the antenna may be positioned in a lower portion of the multi-key.
- a shape of the antenna may correspond to a shape of the multi-key.
- the antenna may have a circular, annular shape, and a connection terminal may be formed at one side of the antenna to connect to the substrate.
- the outside of the antenna may be coated with a synthetic resin.
- the mobile station may further comprise a switch, adapted to transfer data received through user input to the circuitry of the substrate, wherein the connection terminal is positioned on the substrate to connect to a position away from the switch.
- the connection terminal may be constructed of a material having elastic strength.
- the multi-key may include an antenna accommodation unit, and wherein a height of the antenna accommodation unit is greater than a thickness of the antenna.
- One of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit may have a fixing protrusion that protrudes toward the other of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit, and the other of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit may have a protrusion accommodation unit adapted to accommodate the fixing protrusion.
- the mobile station may be one of a folder type, a slide type, a flip type, or a separated display type mobile station.
- the antenna may be concealed from view by the keypad.
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Abstract
Description
- Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 2005-0008373, filed on Jan. 29, 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to a mobile station and, more particularly, to a mobile station having a satellite antenna.
- Mobile stations enable wireless communications between parties. A mobile station may include a satellite antenna to provide digital multimedia services via digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB).
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a disassembled perspective view of amobile station 100 having a satellite antenna, according to a related art. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , the mobile station with a satellite antenna includes a body 10 having aconnector 17 embedded in one side thereof, and asatellite antenna 30 removably coupled to theconnector 17. The body 10 includes afirst body portion 11 having a printing circuit substrate mounted therein, and asecond body portion 21 slidably coupled to thefirst body portion 11. Thefirst body portion 11 has a plurality of keys on a front surface thereof to enable users to input data. Thefirst body portion 11 also has abattery 15 removably coupled to a rear surface thereof to supply power. Anantenna 13 is coupled to one side of an upper surface of thefirst body portion 11. Functions of theantenna 13 differ according to communication system type, e.g. cellular system or PCS system. Theconnector 17 is formed at the other side of the upper surface to allow thesatellite antenna 30 to be removably coupled thereto. Thesecond body portion 21 has adisplay 23 on the front surface thereof for outputting visual information.Keys 25 for inputting data are arranged at one side of thedisplay 23. Thesatellite antenna 30 includes an (outer)housing 32, a helical antenna installed in thehousing 32, and an antenna cable 33 that protrudes downward to thehousing 32. - Because the size of the
satellite antenna 30 is greater than that of the (cellular/PCS)antenna 13, thesatellite antenna 30 is separated from thefirst body portion 11 when not in use, as shown inFIG. 1 . Thesatellite antenna 30 is used after inserting the antenna cable 33 into theconnector 17 for coupling therewith. - Thus, the conventional mobile station with satellite antenna has several problems. As discussed above, using the satellite antenna requires that it be coupled to the connector by inserting the antenna cable thereinto. Furthermore, because the satellite antenna has greater size and is more protruded than the cellular/PCS antenna, the satellite antenna is normally separated from the mobile station when not in use, which may lead to the misplacement of the satellite antenna.
- Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a mobile station having a satellite antenna that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile station having an embedded satellite antenna to increase portability and convenience to the user.
- Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
- To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, in one embodiment, a mobile station comprises a substrate having circuitry adapted to perform communication functions. The mobile station also comprises a keypad adapted to receive input from a user to control the mobile station, wherein at least one key of the keypad is operably coupled to the substrate. The mobile station also comprises an antenna at least partially housed in the at least one key to receive wireless communications.
- The mobile station may further comprise a display adapted to output visual information to the user. The antenna may be further adapted to transmit wireless communications. The wireless communications may comprise satellite communications. The satellite communications may comprise digital multimedia communications.
- The keypad may comprise input keys adapted to receive input of numbers and characters, and a multi-key having a plurality of radially arranged buttons. The keypad may also comprise function keys arranged around the multi-key, and a padbase adapted to fix the input keys, the multi-key, and the function keys on the surface of the keypad. The antenna may be positioned in a lower portion of the multi-key. A shape of the antenna may correspond to a shape of the multi-key. The antenna may have a circular, annular shape, and a connection terminal may be formed at one side of the antenna to connect to the substrate. The outside of the antenna may be coated with a synthetic resin.
- The mobile station may further comprise a switch, adapted to transfer data received through user input to the circuitry of the substrate, wherein the connection terminal is positioned on the substrate to connect to a position away from the switch. The connection terminal may be constructed of a material having elastic strength. The multi-key may include an antenna accommodation unit, and wherein a height of the antenna accommodation unit is greater than a thickness of the antenna. One of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit may have a fixing protrusion that protrudes toward the other of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit, and the other of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit may have a protrusion accommodation unit adapted to accommodate the fixing protrusion. The mobile station may be one of a folder type, a slide type, a flip type, or a separated display type mobile station. The antenna may be concealed from view by the keypad.
- The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a disassembled perspective view of a mobile station having a satellite antenna, according to a related art. -
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a mobile station, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustration a sectional view taken along line III-III ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a plane view of the satellite antenna shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sectional view of a portion of a multi-key, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sectional view taken along ling VI-VI ofFIG. 5 . - Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
- The term ‘mobile station’ encompasses mobile phones, handsets, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and computers, as well as any other devices with wireless communication capabilities. A mobile station having an embedded satellite antenna is described below. Although the present invention refers to a folder type mobile station, other types of mobile stations may be used, such as slide type, flip type, or separated display type mobile stations, for example. Furthermore, although a satellite antenna is described herein, the techniques and constructions described may also be applied to other types of antennas, such as cellular and/or PCS antennas, for example.
-
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of amobile station 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , themobile station 200 includes afirst body portion 110 that has adisplay 111 for outputting visual information. The mobile station also includes asecond body portion 120 rotatively coupled to thefirst body portion 110, a substrate installed in thesecond body portion 120, and akeypad 130 provided on the substrate. Asatellite antenna 150 is interposed between the substrate and thekeypad 130 of themobile station 200. - The
first body portion 110 includes aspeaker 113 at one side thereof to enable an output of audio information. Thefirst body portion 110 also includes thedisplay 111. Thesecond body portion 120 forms an outer perimeter of the mobile station, and accommodates the substrate by having an accommodation space therein. Thesecond body portion 120 also includes acase 121 having through holes in appropriate positions for exposing thekeypad 130 to the exterior. - An
antenna 123 is formed at an upper side of thesecond body portion 120 to be extended in a lengthwise direction such that a radio wave may be transmitted and/or received according to a communication system, such as a PCS system or a cellular system. Amicrophone 125 for inputting audio information is provided at one side of the front surface of thesecond body portion 120. Abattery 126 for supplying power to themobile station 200 is removably coupled to a rear surface of thesecond body portion 120. - The
keypad 130 includes a plurality ofinput keys 131 usable for inputting numbers and characters, a multi-key 132 having a plurality of radially arrangedbuttons 133, andseveral function keys 135 arranged around the multi-key 132. A padbase 137 (SeeFIGS. 3 and 5 , below) integrally forms theinput keys 131, the multi-key 132, and thefunction keys 135 on the surface of thekeypad 130. Metal plating or other finishing, for example, may be applied to the outer surfaces of theinput keys 131, the multi-key 132, and thefunction keys 135 for aesthetic purposes. - The plurality of
input keys 131 may be relatively small is size to enable input of numbers and/or characters by their depression. The discoid or rhombic multi-key 132 may be a navigation key. A through hole is formed in the center of the multi-key and acenter key 134 is mounted therein, such that thecenter key 134 may be depressed independently from the multi-key 132. The multi-key 132 have a square shape or an elliptical shape, for example. Thesatellite antenna 150 may be embedded in a lower portion of the multi-key 132, for example, as described further below with reference toFIGS. 2-4 . -
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a sectional view taken along line III-III ofFIG. 2 .FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a plane view of the satellite antenna shown inFIG. 3 . - Referring to
FIGS. 2-4 , the embeddedsatellite antenna 150 is a loop-type antenna, having a circular and/or annular shape, and is positioned within the multi-key 132. Thesatellite antenna 150 is formed to correspond to the shape of the multi-key 132. That is, when the multi-key 132 has a square shape, the satellite antenna preferably has a corresponding square same shape. Alternatively, when the multi-key 132 has an elliptical shape, thesatellite antenna 150 preferably has a corresponding elliptical shape. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , theinput keys 131, the multi-key 132 and thefunction keys 135 formed on thekeypad 130 are integrally formed on the surface of thepadbase 137. Thepadbase 137 is positioned on thesubstrate 140 on which circuit components required for communications are mounted. Thepadbase 137 may have a size corresponding to the length and width of thesubstrate 140. Thepadbase 137 is preferably formed of flexible materials such as rubber or plastic, for example. - A
protrusion 139 is formed at a lower side of thepadbase 137 to correspond to each button position on thekeypad 130. Aswitch 145 is formed at a position that corresponds to theprotrusion 139 on thesubstrate 140, to transfer pressing of each button to the circuit components mounted in thesubstrate 140. - The
satellite antenna 150 is formed in a doughnut shape, for example, and aconnection terminal 155 is formed at one side of thesatellite antenna 150 to be connected to anantenna connection unit 159 formed on thesubstrate 140. Theconnection terminal 155 is preferably connected to thesubstrate 140 at a position away from where theswitch 145 is formed. In addition, since theconnection terminal 155 receives elastic force when a user presses the multi-key 132, theconnection terminal 155 of thesatellite antenna 150 and theantenna connection unit 159 positioned on thesubstrate 140 are preferably prevented from being disconnected from thesubstrate 140, by a mechanical member for example. The outside of thesatellite antenna 150 is preferably coated using a synthetic resin, for example, for protection from impact. Furthermore, with reference toFIG. 3 ,reference symbols - Since the satellite antenna is interposed between the substrate and the keypad, and more particularly, mounted in the lower portion of the multi-key, the mobile station may be conveniently used and carried with the satellite antenna. Furthermore, since the satellite antenna does not need to be removed when not in use, the satellite antenna is not subject to being misplaced.
-
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sectional view of a portion of a multi-key, according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sectional view taken along ling VI-VI ofFIG. 5 . - Referring to
FIGS. 5-6 , the multi-key 132 forms anantenna accommodation unit 173 for accommodating asatellite antenna 160, which is aligned to allow upper and lower sides thereof to have certain intervals. In other words, a height of theantenna accommodation unit 173 is preferably greater than a thickness of thesatellite antenna 160 to make upper and lower intervals between thesatellite antenna 160 and theantenna accommodation unit 173. - To prevent the
connection terminal 165 from being separated from theantenna connection unit 159, one of thesatellite antenna 160 and theantenna accommodation unit 173 has a fixingprotrusion 162 formed therein to protrude toward the other of thesatellite antenna 160 and theantenna accommodation unit 173, which also preferably has aprotrusion accommodation unit 161 formed therein for accommodating the fixingprotrusion 162. - Accordingly, the satellite antenna may maintain a position without interference from the multi-key, even if the multi-key is depressed, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the satellite antenna.
- In one embodiment, a mobile station comprises a substrate having circuitry adapted to perform communication functions. The mobile station also comprises a keypad adapted to receive input from a user to control the mobile station, wherein at least one key of the keypad is operably coupled to the substrate. The mobile station also comprises an antenna at least partially housed in the at least one key to receive wireless communications.
- The mobile station may further comprise a display adapted to output visual information to the user. The antenna may be further adapted to transmit wireless communications. The wireless communications may comprise satellite communications. The satellite communications may comprise digital multimedia communications.
- The keypad may comprise input keys adapted to receive input of numbers and characters, and a multi-key having a plurality of radially arranged buttons. The keypad may also comprise function keys arranged around the multi-key, and a padbase adapted to fix the input keys, the multi-key, and the function keys on the surface of the keypad. The antenna may be positioned in a lower portion of the multi-key. A shape of the antenna may correspond to a shape of the multi-key. The antenna may have a circular, annular shape, and a connection terminal may be formed at one side of the antenna to connect to the substrate. The outside of the antenna may be coated with a synthetic resin.
- The mobile station may further comprise a switch, adapted to transfer data received through user input to the circuitry of the substrate, wherein the connection terminal is positioned on the substrate to connect to a position away from the switch. The connection terminal may be constructed of a material having elastic strength. The multi-key may include an antenna accommodation unit, and wherein a height of the antenna accommodation unit is greater than a thickness of the antenna. One of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit may have a fixing protrusion that protrudes toward the other of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit, and the other of the antenna and the antenna accommodation unit may have a protrusion accommodation unit adapted to accommodate the fixing protrusion. The mobile station may be one of a folder type, a slide type, a flip type, or a separated display type mobile station. The antenna may be concealed from view by the keypad.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (16)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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KR10-2005-0008373 | 2005-01-29 | ||
KR1020050008373A KR100677428B1 (en) | 2005-01-29 | 2005-01-29 | Mobile communication terminal |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060170656A1 true US20060170656A1 (en) | 2006-08-03 |
US7747294B2 US7747294B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/336,287 Expired - Fee Related US7747294B2 (en) | 2005-01-29 | 2006-01-19 | Mobile station with satellite antenna |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US7747294B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100677428B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1812278B (en) |
Cited By (4)
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USD587670S1 (en) * | 2007-11-02 | 2009-03-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Mobile phone |
US20130040709A1 (en) * | 2009-11-10 | 2013-02-14 | At&T Mobility Ii Llc | Devices, Systems and Methods for Identification Through a Mobile Device |
US8971024B1 (en) * | 2012-11-27 | 2015-03-03 | Google Inc. | Input for computing device |
GB2551734A (en) * | 2016-06-28 | 2018-01-03 | Naim Audio Ltd | An Antenna configuration for an electronic device |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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KR100733813B1 (en) | 2005-07-26 | 2007-07-02 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Antenna device of portable wireless terminal |
CN101764280A (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2010-06-30 | 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | Frequency modulation antenna and realization method and mobile terminal thereof |
KR101912690B1 (en) * | 2011-08-30 | 2018-10-29 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Portable terminal |
KR20130032545A (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2013-04-02 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Mobile terminal having an antenna |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20060087331A (en) | 2006-08-02 |
CN1812278B (en) | 2011-12-07 |
US7747294B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 |
KR100677428B1 (en) | 2007-02-02 |
CN1812278A (en) | 2006-08-02 |
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